We’re very excited by the recent announcements of several new films about fearless and pioneering women that are currently in the works or about to premiere. A couple of weeks ago we learned of HBO’s biopic Bessie, about the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, and earlier this week, it was announced that Viola Davis is starring in and developing a Harriet Tubman movie, also for HBO. But, it doesn’t end there! Netflix has just released a dramatic trailer for their original documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?, a chronicle of the iconic musician and activist Nina Simone. And, it’s spectacular!

“How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?” – Nina Simone

The film, by Academy Award nominated director Liz Garbus, tells Nina Simone’s story from piano playing child prodigy to iconic musician and civil rights activist, told in the performer’s own words. Garbus has brilliantly weaved together recordings that have never been heard before with rare archival footage, diaries, letters, interviews with Nina’s daughter, friends and collaborators. The result? Well, based on the two minute trailer, we anticipate the film to be an eye-opening, intimate portrait of the legendary singer like we’ve never seen before.

In a press release from Netflix, Garbus says,“Nina Simone lived a life of brutal honesty, musical genius, and tortured melancholy. For each of her millions of fans, she feels like a treasured secret. With What Happened, Miss Simone?, I’m excited to help bring her passion, her music, and her story to the world.”

This is going to be good!

Release date: June 26

More about the director

Liz Garbus is a leading US documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Moxie Firecracker Films, under which she has produced over 15 films. Recent works include Love, Marilyn; Bobby Fischer Against the World; There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane and Girlhood. Her first film, The Farm: Angola, USA, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, was nominated for an Oscar, and won two Primetime Emmy Awards.

WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW is a digital media property and community all about dynamic women… our drive and passion, our interesting stories and professional talents, what we care about, what we consume and how we live.